FRODSHAM’S new skatepark will be up and running for youngsters to enjoy this summer.

Construction has started on the eagerly-awaited #130,000 facility which will be completed by the end of June.

Local schoolchildren helped to design the skatepark and local residents were also consulted by project managers, Groundwork Cheshire, who say the facility will be a welcome addition to Vale Royal Borough Council’s leisure complex at Saltworks Farm in Ship Street.

Joe Bass, of Groundwork Cheshire, said: ‘We consulted residents and young people to help decide how the site could be better used as a recreation facility and the idea of a skatepark was the favourite choice.

‘Young people in Frodsham will benefit from this fantastic facility.

‘The skatepark will act as a place for them to congregate – but hopefully, because they have been involved, they will take some sort of ownership and use it responsibly; so it could help to prevent anti-social behaviour.’

The concrete ramps will also cater for in-line bladers and BMX riders.

Vale Royal Development Officer for Play and Young People, Evelyn Thomas, said: ‘I know local children are very excited about the skatepark.’

Youngsters will enjoy free use of the skatepark and it understood there will be no particular age limit or opening times.

However, floodlighting on the site during the winter months will be switched off at 9pm.

Funding for the skatepark came from the borough council, Frodsham Town Council and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts; and waste recycling group WREN and Biffaward also contributed donations from the Landfill Communities Fund.

Vale Royal Borough Councillor Brian Lloyd said he was delighted to see the project get under way. ‘This is what our young people have asked for and I’m sure the skatepark will be a great success.’